From the same Dutch BMW dealer presentation which yielded the 381hp tri-turbo diesel M550d rumor, comes the report that a "M135i" F20 1 series hatchback is coming next summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told about a M135i featuring 320hp and powered by the N55 inline 6 engine.

As with any rumor, it's always just speculation until officially published by BMW. But, there may be merit to this rumor. We spotted what appears to be an M Sport 135i F20 some months ago (seen HERE), so we wouldn't be surprised if BMW actually went with the "M135i" moniker for that car if they in fact also went with the "M550d" rumor for the upcoming tri-turbo diesel F10.

Also, at the F30 press drives last week, BMW told us that they see another 10kw of output possible for the N55 inline 6 engine, which seems right in line with the M135i's alleged output of 320hp.

Of course this would also be a fitting model for the upcoming 2 series coupe and convertible, so if BMW does indeed introduce an "M135i" you can also bet on an "M235i". Exciting times ahead either way.

Also according to this report, an xDrive version of this upcoming M135i will be coming next winter.

bastardization of the brand continues... the 1M has 335 HP, this has 320 and the 135i has 306, who exactly is this car for?

I remember when M used to mean LSD, full race suspension and unique or heavily tuned motors.

Have you forgotten about the new 1 series??
You know, the ugly one?
With new models, the output is usually pumped up a bit also.
Hence the NEW 1M, will also be bumped, so the difference will be there!
This is not something new...

I do not want to bring bad news, but from what I know the 1 Series cannot get the N55, not because it won't fit, but because the strategy does not allow it. I don't know anything about the M1xxi, but if something of the kind would come it would rather be a M128i with the N20 developping 245 PS or certainly more. The purpose of such a car is only to build a good 1 Series to rival S3, Golf R & Co. without calling the car M1. Another possible model would be an M123d, the +200 PS diesel car. I can say, it is 100 % sure to rule out any 6 cylinder engine from the 1 Series F20 and 2 Series F22, as there should be a large enough gap between the top models of F2X platform and F3X platform. The engine of the 1 Series will very likely be found in the 2 Series. Top BMW AG 2 Series would be a normal 228i with N20 developping 245 PS, unfotunately, if following the trend, an M223d with more than 200 PS and finally an M2 with a inline 4 engine developping more than 300 PS. This engine however will not be found under the hood of the 1 Series having the same spec.
All in all, forget the N55 for the 1 Series F20 top model, it will be a close to 300 PS turbo I4 based on N20 block.

This somewhat makes sense. The 1M, M3, M4, M5, M6, X3M, X5M, X6M (that made me tired typing that out) are the Audi RS type of vehicles. The M135, M235, M335i, and M550dx are Audi S equivalents. Then you have the standard range of vehicles, which includes Sport editions.

Honestly, this is becoming a bit overwhelming and almost makes you wonder if BMW produces normal cars, or only M's. Also, any exclusivity associated with owning an M will be completely lost....so we will be buying M cars solely for their performance and not for any perceived exclusivity. Personally, I buy cars for performance, but also like to feel as though I have something special.

This somewhat makes sense. The 1M, M3, M4, M5, M6, X3M, X5M, X6M (that made me tired typing that out) are the Audi RS type of vehicles. The M135, M235, M335i, and M550dx are Audi S equivalents. Then you have the standard range of vehicles, which includes Sport editions.

Honestly, this is becoming a bit overwhelming and almost makes you wonder if BMW produces normal cars, or only M's. Also, any exclusivity associated with owning an M will be completely lost....so we will be buying M cars solely for their performance and not for any perceived exclusivity. Personally, I buy cars for performance, but also like to feel as though I have something special.

I understand what your saying but I don't feel that the s4 and rs4 are even in the same league. Rs4,5,6 are still exclusive to me. It might get some of the non enthusiasts a little confused, but there's no way an M driver would buy an S over an RS model. There's still evident distinction. Maybe this way the M models can be even more focused towards enthusiasts

So then how do you explain that the E82 135 has the same engine as the E90 335...

Where is your large enough gap there ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Levi

I do not want to bring bad news, but from what I know the 1 Series cannot get the N55, not because it won't fit, but because the strategy does not allow it. I don't know anything about the M1xxi, but if something of the kind would come it would rather be a M128i with the N20 developping 245 PS or certainly more. The purpose of such a car is only to build a good 1 Series to rival S3, Golf R & Co. without calling the car M1. Another possible model would be an M123d, the +200 PS diesel car. I can say, it is 100 % sure to rule out any 6 cylinder engine from the 1 Series F20 and 2 Series F22, as there should be a large enough gap between the top models of F2X platform and F3X platform. The engine of the 1 Series will very likely be found in the 2 Series. Top BMW AG 2 Series would be a normal 228i with N20 developping 245 PS, unfotunately, if following the trend, an M223d with more than 200 PS and finally an M2 with a inline 4 engine developping more than 300 PS. This engine however will not be found under the hood of the 1 Series having the same spec.
All in all, forget the N55 for the 1 Series F20 top model, it will be a close to 300 PS turbo I4 based on N20 block.

So then how do you explain that the E82 135 has the same engine as the E90 335...

Where is your large enough gap there ?

There isn't and that is why 1 Series M got only 340 PS. Originally the 135i was meant to be an M1, but the costly M developpment costs were not greenlighted. The easiest way was just to put the 335i engine into the the 1 Series Coupé. For this reason there was no 130i Coupé with the NA 3.0 I6 with 265 PS, but only the 125i Coupé with that same engine in 218 PS spec. This it will look like this for the top engines:
1/2 Series: 4 cylinders
3/4 Series: 6 cylinders
5/6 Series: 8 cylinders
7/8 Series: 12 cylinders